Heat-Storage Reservoir for Faster Washer Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing apparatuses with latent heat accumulators have limited heat exchange surfaces, complex implementations, and high manufacturing costs, leading to inefficient heat recovery and exchange processes.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with a reservoir containing encapsulated heat storage material particles that maximize heat exchange surfaces between washing and rinsing baths, optimizing heat transfer while simplifying the structure and industrialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a latent heat accumulator is integrated in pipes with sinuous shapes to increase heat exchange surface, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage material is divided into numerous small capsules (0.5-5mm diameter) that are distributed throughout the pipe cross-section. This segmentation creates a large cumulative surface area for heat exchange without requiring complex sinuous pipe configurations. The capsules can be randomly arranged in the pipe, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from extending heat exchange surface in the longitudinal dimension (sinuous pipes) to utilizing the cross-sectional dimension. By filling the pipe cross-section with heat storage capsules, the heat exchange surface is maximized in the radial direction, allowing compact heat exchange without increasing pipe length or complexity.
2Productivity
If sinuous shaped elements are used in the latent heat accumulator to maximize heat exchange surface, then heat transfer is optimized, but dirt accumulation occurs during waste water circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage material is divided into numerous small capsules (0.5-5mm diameter) that are distributed throughout the pipe cross-section. This segmentation creates a large cumulative surface area for heat exchange without requiring complex sinuous pipe configurations. The capsules can be randomly arranged in the pipe, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsules are designed to be mobile within the pipe, allowing them to move with the water flow. This dynamic arrangement prevents static zones where dirt could accumulate, as the capsules continuously shift positions. The mobile capsules maintain contact with the pipe wall and each other, ensuring continuous heat exchange while preventing fouling.
3Strength
If thick elements are used to constitute the latent heat accumulator, then structural stability is improved, but the heat exchange surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage material is divided into numerous small capsules (0.5-5mm diameter) that are distributed throughout the pipe cross-section. This segmentation creates a large cumulative surface area for heat exchange without requiring complex sinuous pipe configurations. The capsules can be randomly arranged in the pipe, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heat storage capsule is enclosed in a thin-walled capsule structure that provides minimal structural support while maximizing the heat exchange surface area. The thin walls allow efficient heat transfer between the waste water and the heat storage material, while the cumulative surface area of all capsules provides the necessary thermal capacity.
4Reliability
If multiple seals are implemented in the heat exchange zones between the latent heat accumulator and pipes, then system reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat storage material from a fixed, sealed structure and places it in mobile capsules that flow freely within the pipe. This eliminates the need for complex seals between the heat storage medium and the pipe, as the capsules are self-contained and do not require sealing interfaces with the pipe wall or each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsules are made from the same or similar materials as the pipe (or at least compatible materials), creating a homogeneous system that requires minimal sealing. The simplicity of having identical or compatible materials throughout the system reduces the need for specialized sealing components and interfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves efficient and optimized heat exchange phases, reducing heat recovery time and preventing fouling, while allowing for standardized manufacturing and easy recycling.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (9) comprising at least one reserve of a heat storage material (10) making it possible to capture the heat energy of at least a first washing and/or rinsing bath and restore the captured heat energy to at least a second washing and/or rinsing bath
Implementation Method 2
reservoir (11) comprising said at least one reserve of heat storage material (10) made from particles of encapsulated heat storage material (12)... maximize heat exchange surfaces between washing and rinsing baths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A washing appliance (1) comprises a reservoir (11) in fluidic communication with a washing tub (2), where at least a first and second bath of washing and/or rinsing liquid are circulated successively between said washing tub (2) and a reservoir (11); said reservoir (11) includes at least one storage of a heat-accumulating material (10) made from encapsulated particles of heat-accumulating material (12), where said reservoir (11) includes at least one element for retaining said encapsulated particles of heat-accumulating material (12) within it. Particularly suitable for use in a dishwasher or a washing machine.